Adult orthodontics has grown in popularity in recent years as many older individuals have sought ways to improve the appearance of their smiles. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding adult orthodontics. Is there an age limit for Adult Orthodontics?
If your teeth are generally healthy, you can benefit from adult orthodontics at almost any age. You might need restorative work, such as filling cavities, or crowns, prior to orthodontics. If you have jaw problems or gum disease, these might need to be addressed first. But once the underlying problems are corrected, there are many relatively short-term options available for straightening your teeth.
There are options for the top and bottom front teeth that are visible only when you smile; other patients might need a more comprehensive plan to straighten and align teeth. Depending on the overall dental work you need, orthodontics might be recommended before dental implants or other procedures.
How long does it take to correct my smile?
Depending on the technology used, it can be as little as a few months. Your overall dental health and any other conditions that need to be treated first will also determine how long it takes to align your teeth. Your dentist and orthodontist will help to create a plan that is right for you. The alignment devices are often worn for up to 20 hours a day. It can take as little as two to eight months of overall treatment to realign your teeth.
Is adult orthodontics painful or uncomfortable?
With any orthodontic appliance, there can be a period, usually no more than a few days, when you experience some mild discomfort. Generally, ibuprofen or another analgesic will alleviate the discomfort. You might need to eat softer foods for a few days. Your speech might be affected for a few days, too, but you’ll adjust fairly quickly. Many of these retainer-like appliances and wires are the same color as natural teeth, so that they are not readily visible when you smile.
Do I need to have other dental conditions fixed first?
Sometimes, orthodontics is recommended before you have other dental problems treated. For example, if you’ve had missing teeth for a period of time, the surrounding teeth may have shifted, making it difficult to implant new teeth or bridges. In these cases, straightening the teeth is recommended prior to getting implants. In other cases, you might need to have decay, crowns, or gum disease treated before you have your orthodontics appliance treatment.
You can completely transform your smile using a combination of adult braces and tooth whitening. Consult a Doncaster cosmetic dentist to learn more about the cost associated with these cosmetic dental treatments.
